Activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC), has officially set October 20 as the date for a major protest march in Abuja, demanding the immediate release of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore announced the date on his X handle on Thursday, describing the event as a “historic” march to the Aso Rock Villa. He assured the public that the demonstration would be conducted peacefully and legally.
“We now have a date for the historic #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. It is October 20 at 7 am,” the activist wrote.
A Call to Action for Southeast Leaders
Sowore has intensified efforts to mobilize leaders from the Southeast and other concerned Nigerians, urging them to move beyond rhetoric and join the physical demonstration.
On Wednesday, he called out prominent figures, emphasizing that this is a time for genuine action:
“No more empty noise. Let @CCSoludo, @SenatorAbaribe, @alexottiofr, @PeterObi, and all others who claim to care step up and join us in person. Every governor, senator, member of the House, traditional ruler, priest, eze, Igbo person, and every Nigerian who believes in Kanu’s freedom should come out and do more than talk.”
Sowore confirmed reaching out to several key political figures, including Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, and Labour Party’s former presidential candidate Peter Obi.
While stating that Otti and Soludo neither took his calls nor responded to messages, and that Obi’s team confirmed he was traveling, Sowore received encouraging feedback from some lawmakers and noted an understanding from others, despite their preference for a non-placard-based approach.
The Detention and Legal Background
Nnamdi Kanu has been held in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his controversial re-arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021.
He faces charges filed by the Federal Government at the Federal High Court in Abuja, bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement. Kanu has consistently maintained his innocence.
Despite a significant ruling by the Court of Appeal in October 2022, which discharged and acquitted him of all charges, ruling that his extradition violated international laws, the Federal Government has yet to comply with the court order—a situation that has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups and political leaders.
Sowore concluded: “This is not the time for hesitation. If we genuinely believe that @MaziNnamdiKanu deserves freedom, then every leader of conscience must act, now, not later.”
For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]
